Diversity and Sam

One can never tell the impact living overseas can have on people, especially the young people living in your house.  In Nairobi, diversity is definitely to norm here.  On a daily basis, we are immersed in a diverse culture - African, Asian, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Western, White, Black, Brown, Red, Yellow.  I see it, the kids see it.

As I mentioned in a post last week, we had a great conversation around the fireplace last week.  It focused on the opportunity to teach the older kids about the role we as parents could have in helping them understand themselves and help them pick good lifetime mates when the time was right.  Little did we realize that Sam picked up on this as well.

Last night at dinner, Sam looked at me and said, "Daddy, will you help me pick out my wife?" 

"Sure, Sam, I will be happy to" was my slightly surprised response.

"Daddy, who do you think I should marry?" inquired Sam, evidently thinking about someone in particular.

"Well, it is still a little early to say, but I do know a couple of little girls who come from some really good families" was my reply.

Sam pondered this for a little bit.  Then he said, "What about Josie?" 

"Josie is a sweet girl and comes from a good family."  In fact, Josie is an African girl who has been adopted by a white American missionary family here.  Josie and her brother Josh (also adopted) are Sam's best friends here.  He loves being with them - they get along great.  But, trying to keep the little guy from making a lifetime decision at the tender age of 5, I then asked, "What about Hannah?"

"Daddy, I can't marry her, she is the same color as me" was Sam's instant reply! 

Oh how I could really get inside his little head and see what he sees!!  How does he process things?  Where did that comment come from?  It would never have occurred to me that he would see color and diversity the way he does.  I love being in a heterogeneous culture, but I didn't realize how much it has already impacted the way a 5 year sees things. 

"And a child will lead them...."

Comments

[Taylor]

Hi!! Im am Taylor, and I go to Walnut Ride Baptist Acadamey. In History we were studying Africa, and we are doing a project. We have to interview an African Missionary. Will you please email me back and tell me if you want to or ont? thanks!!

Taylot

[Taylor]

My email address is [email protected] incase you are wondering.

[chewymom]

Oh that is SO cool! I would love for my children to think that way!!!